Submission Date

7-19-2024

Document Type

Paper- Restricted to Campus Access

Department

Biology

Faculty Mentor

Ellen Dawley

Comments

Presented during the 26th Annual Summer Fellows Symposium, July 19, 2024 at Ursinus College.

Project Description

In mammalian species, prolonged neuroinflammation and the formation of scars have evolved as responses to central nervous system (CNS) injury. A primary driver of this inflammation and scarring is theorized to be the extended activation of various phagocytes. This experiment aims to track and stain phagocyte response, specifically microglia and macrophages, in Ambystoma mexicanum, an amphibian known for its remarkable CNS regeneration capabilities. Three staining methods were compared to determine the most suitable for this purpose: one fluorescent method (Alexa Fluor 488) and two colorimetric methods (Tomato Lectin and Tomato Lectin with a Nickel Complex). Phagocyte activity was monitored at five chronological periods post-injury to develop a timeline of phagocyte activity. The acute response was assessed at the first three time points (6 hours, 12 hours, and 1-day post-injury), while the later stages of phagocyte activity progression during the repair process were observed at 3-days and 6-days post-injury.

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